Changing Times Blog

March 18 Movement

The following is an example of fantastic use of new media in bringing attention to a cause.

The March 18 Movement was born out of a tragedy. On this day in 2009, Omid Reza Mir Sayafi, Iranian blogger and journalist, died in Evin Prison in Tehran. The December before his death, he was sentenced to two and half years in prison for allegedly insulting religious leaders, and engaging in propaganda against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Omid Reza was the first blogger to die in prison and his death reveals that getting censored is far from the worst thing that can happen to a blogger.

The clip is a creation of the Mideast Youth Network.

Changing Times is changing venues!

Changing Times is on the move!

The next session of Changing Times will be held in Italy from 26-31 December 2009.

An extraordinary programme of speakers, workshops and artistic presentations is being planned, carrying forward everything you loved about Changing Times, but with a few new innovations – not least the stunning Italian surroundings.

Watch this space for further information.

TinyPlanetStudio + Andy Grammer Live

A team of Baha’i youth in Washington D.C. created TinyPlanetStudio. Its a recording studio, performance space, and creative venture creating an inviting place for diverse people to come together and explore the arts and engage in inspiring conversation. British Baha’is hit up the same with Carmel Nights in London (we’ll cover that another day). Just recently our most beloved Andy Grammer performed live at TPS. See videos here:

See more here at the TinyPlanetStudio website. By the way, Benny Cassette (lead of Dawnbreaker Collective) will soon be releasing his new album. See you all for Changing Times in ITALY in December!

Video marking the Anniversary of the Incarceration of the Yaran

Today marks the anniversary of the incarceration of the seven Baha’i leaders in Iran. Iran Press Watch has posted this video:

This video is also available on Vimeo and on Youtube. Make it go viral!

Deny. Deny. Denial.

A short interview with Geoffrey Cameron, research associate at the London-based Foreign Policy Centre, on the denial of higher education for the Baha’is in Iran. Mr. Cameron is also co-author of the 2008 publication ‘A Revolution without Rights? Women, Kurds and Baha’is Searching for Equality in Iran.’

Produced by brilliant Amy Lim at The Moving Pictures – Geoff blogs at http://jeunestreet.com/

Probably the Hottest Job you can score during the World Crisis

“The Bahá’í International Community’s United Nations Office is seeking a full-time intern to assist the Principal Representative to the United Nations with research and administrative work related to the upcoming session of the General Assembly.”

Candidates should be available from 1 September to 31 December 2009. The application deadline is July 1, 2009

Read about responsibilities and requirements

Majnun 2.0 – Baha’i Search Engine

The only Baha’i search engine launches back with a new design and a complete overhaul of the engine itself. Majnun brings all valuable Baha’i resource websites together to help you find:

• games for your next children’s class
• this one amazing letter from the House you once read
• music from your favorite Baha’i artists
• the truth about the Kitab-i-Hearsay
• and soo much more…

This is a brilliant tool for your research or scholarship projects. Use it at http://www.majnun.net

Niaz feat. Armin – “Love Me”

Two brilliantly talented young musicians, Niaz and Armin, produced a fresh intonation of Baha’u'llah’s words:

“Love Me, that I may love thee. If thou lovest Me not, My love can in no wise reach thee.”

They are both students at Changing Times’ hometurf at Townshend International School. We want to see more of this kind, send it in people!